ADVANCE REVIEW: ‘Commanders In Crisis,’ Issue #1

Commanders In Crisis #1 is published by Image Comics, written by Steve Orlando, illustrated by Davide Tinto, colored by Francesca Cartenuto, and lettered by Fabio Amelia. Five superheroes have gathered together after their respective universes were destroyed to form Crisis Command. Under their constant vigilance, the world is kept safe. But a strange murder may threaten to tip their adopted world toward the same cataclysm they all survived.

The “crisis” event is an often utilized trope in comics. From DC’s Dark Nights: Death Metal to Marvel’s Secret Wars, large groups of heroes often band together to prevent the end of existence. Commanders In Crisis flips the script by showcasing these heroes after the event has passed. It’s a neat way to approach this particular type of story as characters often tend to get swallowed up in the massive scale of these event stories.

Orlando showcases a clear love for the superhero genre as well as a solid knack for characterization. Each member of Crisis Command feels like they can lead their own title. They also come with several unique abilities. Prizefighter’s strength grows with the adoration of his fans while the Originator can bend reality with merely her words. In fact, the only character who seems fairly derivative is super scientist Frontier; her advanced technology and armored suit are usually the staple of other characters like Iron Man or Mister Fantastic.

What also helps bring the characters to life is Tinto’s artwork. Tinto helps make each character feel distinct by giving them attire that fits their names. Seer, the “quantum god,” is adorned in a white and gold outfit that feels like something a deity would wear. Prizefighter has a gold champion’s belt as part of his uniform, which invokes the Greco-Roman wrestlers of old.

Rounding out the creative team is Cartenueto on colors. Her colors are bold, bright, and eye-grabbing which is the exact thing you want to go for in a superhero comic. It also helps to make the characters visually distinct, at least in terms of their powers. When the Originator uses her powers, the entire background turns bright purple. Letterer Amelia also adds to this effect by coloring the Originator’s word balloons purple while also using an elaborate script. Seer’s visions of the future are tinted with gold. Sawbones, the “Action Surgeon,” views the world through an infrared visor which allows him to target his enemies’ weak points. This is a visually pleasant comic to look at.

Commanders In Crisis #1 is a great twist on the event comic, featuring the kind of storytelling that has helped the superhero genre last throughout the years. Orlando, Tinto, and Cartenueto clearly have a deep love for the genre, and know-how to shape it to their ends. I highly recommend this issue for comic fans old and new. The former will enjoy the new takes on old tropes while the latter may find some of their favorite heroes in Crisis Command.

Commanders In Crisis #1 will be available in stores on October 14.